Annual Series Research Articles

Histopathologic Perspective of Nail Lichen Planus: A 10-year Case Series From a Tertiary Care Center in South India.

Nail involvement is seen in 10% of lichen planus patients, with a subset developing severe destruction of the nail matrix. Nail biopsy is a complex procedure usually done when nails are the only site of involvement. The pathology of nail lichen planus (NLP) has been the subject of very few studies. Most studies refer to the major and minor histopathologic criteria proposed by Hanno et al. This study aims to characterize the histopathologic features of NLP. Twenty five patients of NLP with nail biopsies, diagnosed in the last 10 years were included in the study. Lichen planus was suspected in all patients, and the alternative diagnosis was psoriasis/onychomycosis and melanoma. On histopathology, the common features included acanthosis (88%), lichenoid lymphocytic inflammation (96%), and hypergranulosis (72%). Detachment of epithelium from the subepithelium, a hitherto unreported feature, was noted in 60% of cases. Less common features were lymphocytic exocytosis (48%), melanophages (40%), basal vacuolar alteration (24%), apoptotic keratinocytes (28%), fraying of the nail plate (24%), and spongiosis (20%). Understanding the common and less common histopathologic features and their correlation with clinical findings is essential to diagnose NLP accurately rather than stressing histologic criteria as major/minor, which may lead to the underdiagnosis of cases.

ANÁLISE ESPACIAL E TEMPORAL DE EVENTOS DE SECAS NA REGIÃO HIDROGRÁFICA ALTO RIO PARANÁ DE 1990 A 2020

The Paraná River Hydrographic Region is of great socioeconomic relevance for Brazil. Therefore, due to the history of droughts in the region, the aims of the current study were to assess rainfall spatial and temporal variability, as well as to analyze drought features based on using the Normalized Percentage Index (NPI) to contribute to water management processes in Upper Paraná River (UPR). The study area encompasses 14 Planning and Management Units, distributed in Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and São Paulo states. Climate data were obtained from the National Hydrometeorological Network database. A geostatistical analysis of rainfall was carried out, based on the annual series of 408 stations, and subsequently the calculation of NPI for classifying the droughts severity. All periods analyzed (1990-2020) showed spatial dependence (moderate to high), allowing the elaboration of droughts maps. The dry and rainy periods and areas did not indicate direct influence of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo units were the main contributors to the identified droughts. The data showed that 2010-2020 was the driest decade of the period, with a greater contribution from the 2019/2020 period, where droughts exceeded 60% of the area for two consecutive years, an event never identified in the last 3 decades. The NPI curves referring to “initial drought” and “mild” allowed verifying years of water crisis when their summed percentages reached at least 50% of the region. The methodology used is versatile, allowing its use in any watershed. Keywords: Rains. Water management. NPI. Kriging.

Spatiotemporal variability of flash floods and their human impacts in the Czech Republic during the 2001–2023 period

Abstract. Flash floods, characterized by their sudden onset, extreme discharge, short duration, material damage, and human loss, represent a significant natural hazard. Not well covered by standard hydrological observations, flash flood data can primarily be derived from various types of documentary evidence. This evidence served as the main data source for creating a flash flood database for the Czech Republic from 2001 to 2023. This database enabled detailed analysis of different aspects of flash floods. The annual series of 233 flash flood events, 160 flash flood days, and 424 affected municipalities showed significant inter-annual variability but no linear trends. The triggering rainfall that generates flash floods was analyzed with respect to 1–3-hourly and daily precipitation totals and circulation types from the objective classification. While flash floods can occur anywhere, they were more frequently recorded at the foots of mountain slopes, often coinciding with “critical points” where built-up areas meet concentrated surface runoff pathways. The division of material damage caused by flash floods into eight categories indicated that the highest proportion of damage was to streets and communications (24.3 %), to houses (21.7 %), and to their cellars and basements (18.3 %). There were also 36 recorded fatalities. The understanding of flash floods in the Czech Republic aligns generally well with studies of flash floods in other European regions.

Grid-Based Precipitation Quantile Estimation Considering Homogeneity Using ERA5-Land Data for the Korean Peninsula

In this study, a grid-based precipitation quantile was estimated using long-term reanalysis precipitation data, considering the homogeneity of the annual maximum series (AMS) for the Korean Peninsula. For regions where significant changes in homogeneity were observed, the precipitation quantile was estimated using only the AMS from after the change point, and these results were compared with those from the original AMS. The examination of homogeneity revealed a significant increasing trend in homogeneity variability in the southeastern region of Korea. This change was particularly pronounced in the location parameter of the Gumbel distribution, resulting in an improved model fit. The change in precipitation quantile was most noticeable for a 2-year return period with a 36 h duration, with an average increase of approximately 11.5%. The results obtained from this study are anticipated to offer crucial foundational data for the design of hydraulic structures in regions with insufficient long-term ground observation data.

Central-European sunshine hours, relationship with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, and forecast

Sunshine hours (SSH) is an important meteorological parameter, loosely linked to temperature and precipitation, and highly relevant for various sectors such as agriculture or solar energy. Previous studies have already identified a correlation of European SSH with the thermal state of the North Atlantic. This paper investigates this relationship further by studying annual and monthly SSH of seven long-term Central European SSH series and comparing them to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) using Fourier Transformation, Monte Carlo simulation and non-linear optimization. The Fourier spectra of our annual SSH series have their strongest and highly significant peaks in the known AMO period of ~ 50 to ~ 80 years, supporting the hypothesis that European SSH and the AMO are linked. The optimized sinusoids of the seven SSH and the AMO series with these periods show substantial correlations with the corresponding data (r = 0.42–0.55 for SSH and 0.71 for the AMO). Extrapolating the sinusoids, we project a gradual decline in SSH across Central Europe by 9–16% from its current maximum over the next three decades, particularly pronounced in northern regions.

Establishing Climate Change on Rainfall Trend, Variation and Change Point Pattern in Umuahia, Nigeria

This study investigates the prevailing conditions of changing climatic trends and change point dates in Umuahia, Nigeria, using daily annual maximum series (AMS) rainfall data spanning 31 years. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) was employed to downscale the time series data into durations ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours. Mann-Kendall (MK) trend and Sen's Slope Estimator (SSE) tests revealed a statistically significant increasing trend across all durations. The Sen's Slope magnitude ranged from 0.1373 mm/year for 5-minute duration to 0.9045 mm/year for 24-hour duration, corresponding to a variation rate of 9.05 mm/decade for the 24-hour duration. Trend change-point analysis, utilizing Distribution-free CUSUM and Sequential Mann-Kendall tests, identified 2002 as the initial rainfall change-point date. These results provide robust evidence of positive changing climatic conditions for rainfall in Umuahia, indicating that non-stationary Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) modelling may be more appropriate for flood risk management and urban planning in this area.

Non-stationarity of runoff and sediment load and its drivers under climate change and anthropogenic activities in Dongting Lake Basin

Analysing non-stationarity in runoff and sediment load is crucial for effective water resource management in the Dongting Lake basin amid climate change and human impacts. Using the Mann-Kendall test, Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape framework, and Random Forest models, we evaluated non-stationarity and its drivers in the annual runoff and annual sediment load series at eight hydrological stations from 1961 to 2021. These stations include three inflow sites at the Jingjiang Three Outlets (Ouchi, Songzi, and Hudu Rivers), four inflow sites in the Four Rivers basin (Xiang, Zi, Yuan, and Li Rivers), and one outflow site at Chenglingji. Results revealed a significant decrease in annual runoff at the Three Outlets and Chenglingji, while the Four Rivers basin showed no significant trend. The non-stationary models with multiple physically-based covariates better captured non-stationarity compared to single covariate models. Annual rainfall was a key contributor to annual runoff in the Four Rivers basin, while reservoir storage capacity played a more dominant role in the Three Outlets. At Chenglingji station, both factors significantly influenced annual runoff. For annual sediment load, reservoir storage capacity emerged as the most critical factor across all regions. These findings provide a basis for improving runoff and sediment regulation in the Dongting Lake basin.

Reconstruction of the Temperature Index Series of China in 1368–1911 based on REACHES database

This study reports the methodology for reconstructing anomalous temperature index series of China in 1368–1911 based on the REACHES database which digitizes the Chinese records quoted in the Compendium of Meteorological Records of China in the Last 3000 Years. The reconstruction adopts an ordinal scale index approach ranging from −2 (very cold) to 1 (warm). Based on the grading criteria, a total of 12,871 records were retrieved through a standard coding system established at REACHES. Sensitivity experiments were performed to test robustness of the index system and a reasonability test was conducted to develop an appropriate method for deriving areal mean temperature index. The reconstructed series were validated through comparison with early instrumental data from Global Historical Climatology Network which shows good correlations and reliability of the REACHES reconstructed index data. Annual and semi-annual (winter and summer) temperature index data series were released for the whole domain as well as the 3- and 15-subregion geographical domains in China.

Course and Predictors of Adult Spinal Sagittal Disorders: A 10-year Prospective Case Series.

Prospective case series. To study the natural course of adult spinal deformity (ASD) over a10-year period and the determinants associated with postural malalignments. ASD comprises a heterogeneous spectrum of abnormalities of the thoracolumbar spine throughout adulthood. Radiographic deterioration of sagittal alignment is a combination of decreased lumbar lordosis (LL), PI-related retroversion of the pelvic tilt (PT), anteriorizing sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and increased T1 pelvic angle (TPA). The full spine radiographs were taken to measure the SRS-Schwab sagittal modifiers PI-LL, PT and SVA to measure the possible change in severity of deformity from the 204 volunteer participants (mean age 62.7 years, 61% female), which were 32% of the 637 consecutive patients with prolonged back pain who originally joined the study in 2012-2013. Each participant completed the Scoliosis Research Society 22r (SRS-22r) questionnaire. The mean change in the SRS-Schwab score was 0.4 units (baseline 1.1 vs. follow-up 1.5, P < 0.001) implying deterioration of the spinal deformity. The SRS-Schwab score decreased (n=76, 37%), remained the same (n=102, 50%) or improved (n=26, 13%). Four predictive factors for a change of sagittal alignment were found, of which the poor score in the SRS-22r function domain (P=0.049) and severe pelvic tilt (PT greater than 30°, P=0.006) predicted the change. This study showed the variability in how sagittal alignment of the spine change during the 10-year follow-up period. The ASD patients with poor self-assessed functional ability and disturbed pelvic position were associated with the risk of deterioration in spinopelvic alignment. The diversity in the natural course of ASD and the known risk factors highlights the need for tailored advice when planning preventive treatment procedures for ASD patients. 3.

Behavior change, health, and health disparities 2024: Smoking and other tobacco use among women and girls

This Special Issue (SI) of Preventive Medicine is the 11th in an annual series on behavior change, health, and health disparities. The theme of this 2024 issue is Smoking and Other Tobacco Use among Women and Girls. Cigarette smoking remains the single most preventable cause of death in the U.S., causing the premature death of more than 200,000 U.S. women annually, a mortality rate that far exceeds levels from conditions more commonly associated with premature death in women (e.g., breast cancer). Of course, cigarette smoking among women and girls is also a well-known cause of intergenerational adverse health effects. Women and girls are also using e-cigarettes and many other tobacco products that are flooding the U.S. tobacco marketplace. This SI includes eleven peer-reviewed articles that advance knowledge across a wide range of topics on disproportionate adverse effects, prevalence, and risk factors for cigarette smoking and other tobacco use in women and girls.

Variability and Composition of Mysid Assemblages in a Northwest Iberian Estuary: Insights from a 10-Year Data Series

Long-term temporal studies have been used to assess the effects of climate change on mysid populations and their complex ecological interplay within heterogeneous ecosystems. This study is the first to investigate the mysid community in the Mondego estuary, western Portugal, for a decade, from 2003 to 2012. Monthly data collected from five stations along the estuary was used to investigate variations in mysid assemblage composition, patterns, phenology, and the interactions with environmental variables. Thirteen taxa were found in the assemblages. The community was dominated by Mesopodopsis slabberi, which was found in great numbers in the upper estuarine region. Praunus flexuosus and Schistomysis spiritus dominated the assemblages in the middle estuary, while Gastrossacus spinifer and Heteromysis formosa were very abundant at the mouth of the estuary. Overall, mysids were mostly present during autumn periods, when local environmental factors such as water temperature and chlorophyll-a concentrations influenced assemblage abundances. The high productivity of the system played a pivotal role in fostering greater species abundance. However, lower abundances were detected during warmer years, further evidencing changes in these key species’ communities under future climatic scenarios of increasing water temperatures.

The Year in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia: Selected Highlights from 2024

This special article is the seventeeth in an annual series for the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. The authors thank the editor-in-chief, Dr. Kaplan, and the editorial board for the opportunity to continue this series, namely the research highlights of the past year in the specialty of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesiology.1 The major themes selected for 2024 are outlined in this introduction, and each highlight is reviewed in detail in the main article. The literature highlights in the specialty for 2024 begin with an update on perioperative rehabilitation and enhanced recovery (ERACS) in in cardiothoracic surgery, with a focus on novel methods to best assess our patients in the preoperative period and the impact of implementing enhanced recovery care models on outcomes. The second major theme is focused on cardiac surgery, with the authors discussing new insights into anemia, transfusions, and CABG outcomes with a focus on gender disparities. The third theme is focused on cardiothoracic transplantation, with discussions focusing on techniques related to lung transplantation including MCS. The fourth theme is focused on mechanical circulatory support, with discussions exploring advancements in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) highlight the evolving landscape of mechanical circulatory support and discussion of anticoagulation practices. The fifth, and final theme is an update on medical cardiology, with focus on outcomes of transcatheter management of regurgitant pathology, device management in heart failure, and new techniques in catheter ablation. The themes selected for this article are only a few of the diverse advances in the specialty during 2024. These highlights will inform the reader of key updates on a variety of topics, leading to improvement of perioperative outcomes for patients with cardiothoracic and vascular disease.

Evaluation of the PM2.5 concentrations in South America: Climatological patterns and trend analysis

This study assessed the concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 (PM2.5) over South America (SA) based on climatological patterns and trend analysis. This study used monthly PM2.5 data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) at the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts from 2003 to 2022. The bilinear interpolation method was applied to the data resampling from 0.75° × 0.75°–0.25° × 0.25° spatial resolution, and subsequently, the climatological analysis was performed on seasonal and annual scales of PM2.5 concentrations for the 20-year series. The assessment comprised three main stages: 1) descriptive statistics, 2) seasonal and annual climatology patterns, and 3) trend analysis (Mann-Kendall - MK and Pettitt tests). Results indicated that the largest annual PM2.5 concentrations were found in the Amazon region and northern Paraguay due the El-Niño South Oscillation events (2003–2005, 2007, 2010, 2020, and 2022). The annual average PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the WHO recommended limit (5 μg m−3), ranging from 15.57 μg m−3 (1999) and 22.74 μg m−3 (2007 and 2010). The highest PM2.5 concentrations were observed in the Amazon and Chile (Santiago), reaching 160.4 μg m−3 annually and 177.8 μg m−3 seasonally (spring). Elevated seasonal PM2.5 concentrations were attributed to increased deforestation and wildfires associated with meteorological systems such as the Bolivian high and subtropical jets during dry periods (winter and spring). The MK test revealed a significant reduction in PM2.5 concentrations between 2003 and 2022, observed in Argentina (north), Brazil (arc of reforestation), Bolivia (south), and Chile (north). Reduction values varied between 0.5 and 10 μg m−3.year−1 annually and during winter, attributed to no-tillage practices in regions cultivating commodities. The Pettitt test also identified significant structural changes occurring in 2006–2008 and 2010–2011, aligning with areas highlighted in the MK test. This study provides valuable insights for air quality and environmental monitoring managers to mitigate PM2.5 pollution in SA.

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma, a 30-year series

Introduction and objectivesLaryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare laryngeal pathology arising from cartilaginous structures and is predominantly found in the cricoid cartilage. This study investigates its presentation, treatment modalities and patient outcomes. Patients or materials and methodsRetrospective study of laryngeal chondrosarcoma cases followed from 1992 to 2022 in the Otorhinolaryngology department of a cancer center - Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa. Statistical analysis was made with Microsoft Excel® and SPSS®. ResultsWe identified 16 cases, of which two-thirds were male, with an average age of 59.6 years, and only 24% of them had a history of smoking. The commonest presentation was indolent dysphonia and/or dyspnea, and the posterior arch of the cricoid cartilage was the most affected place. Although histopathological studies after biopsy were often inconclusive, surgery emerged as the first-line of treatment for all patients. Larynx microsurgery with lesion debulking was the most frequent surgical approach (47%) followed by partial laryngectomy (24%). Neither adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) nor chemotherapy was administered in any of the cases. There was residual tumor in 23% of the cases so half of these patients were in watchful waiting while the other part underwent further microsurgery or total laryngectomy. Only one patient with recurrence received RT. Disease-specific survival rate at 1 and 5 years was 97% and 91%, respectively. ConclusionLaryngeal chondrosarcoma etiology is still unknown and is effectively treated with surgery, with a generally favorable prognosis. The main concern lies in its propensity to relapse, highlighting the importance of watchful follow-up.

Preface

Geographies of Sustainability: Environmental Change, Adaptation and Development The current volume is a part of the annual series of conference on Viet Nam’s Seas and Islands organised by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City. The conference “ Geographical Science: New approaches, perspectives and directions in territorial planning and organization” with the English section “Geographies of sustainability: environmental change, adaptation and development” held on December 29th 2023, focuses on the history of maritime exploitation, assessing the potential for economic development, and environmental protection towards sustainable development. A total of 38 papers in English were received from various research institutions across the country. Among those papers, 25 papers were selected and transferred to the publication process and 13 papers were published. Climate change, various human pressures, and associated environmental issues pose numerous challenges for low-income countries in combining the needs of society, the economy, and nature protection. With growing population density and pressure on the environment, these challenges are equally visible in fast-expanding and transforming urban areas and in less affluent rural regions, where conflicts between humans and nature are often most pronounced. Sustainable development, particularly sustainable tourism development is globally recognized as both a feasible and optimal adaptation strategy. However, low-income countries may lack the necessary scientific background to design and implement management and social innovations needed for the rapid, ongoing transformation and adaptation to the changing environment. This volume presents 15 scientific papers from Vietnam that delve into the various issues of sustainability, exploring them in a range of geographical, environmental, economic and social contexts. Thus, several contributions in this volume deal with sustainable tourism and its development, analysing different aspects from perceptions and awareness to governance and management mechanisms. List of Editorial Board and Organiser are available in this Pdf.

Possibilities of Using Regional Index-Flood Method and Annual Maximum and Partial Duration Series: A Case Study of Susurluk River Basin, Turkey

Floods are defined as disasters that occur as a result of a natural formation and cause negative effects on society life and economy. Floods that cause the greatest loss of life and property after earthquakes among the natural disasters experienced in our country, unplanned urbanization caused by the increasing population, uncontrolled settlements in river beds, and changing climate have increased its impact and frequency of occurrence over time. Therefore, it is important to estimate the magnitude of floods and the frequency of their occurrence in the most accurate way. This research aims to perform at-site and regional frequency analysis with L-moment methods in the Susurluk Basin. For regional frequency analysis, annual maximum and partial duration flood series were obtained using the data from 22 flow observation stations selected from the basin. In the first stage, the stations in the region were considered as a whole and the stations were found discordant with each other. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed with the help of various physiological-hydrological characteristics of the stations located in the basin with geographic information systems, and the basin was divided into 2 regions, but homogeneity was still not achieved. Therefore, the basin is divided into 3 regions according to the dendrogram. There was no discordancy in all three regions and homogeneity was achieved. After achieving homogeneity, the most suitable frequency distribution was determined for each region. In addition, L-moments and L-moment ratios, probability distributions, and quantile discharges of the annual maximum and partial duration flood series were estimated for at-site frequency analysis. As a result, in regional flood frequency analysis, generalized logistic distribution provided the best fit in the annual maximum series, while Generalized Pareto and Pearson type 3 provided the best-fit distributions for the first and second regions in the partial duration series, respectively, in addition, generalized normal provided the best fit in the third region. It was concluded that it would be useful to use partial duration flood series as well as annual maximum series in the flood frequency analysis of the Susurluk basin.

Distribution of Rain Intensity: Daily Maximum Rainfall Data in The Province of South Sumatera and West Sumatera

The high intensity of rain in May 2024 caused flooding in the Sumatra region, especially Padang City and Palembang City. The region of West Sumatra is also known as the ethalae of disasters with frequent earthquakes, floods, and landslides. In Indonesia, many frequency analyses are conducted using the Gumbel distribution without testing data and clear hydrological reasons. It is feared that this method is considered as a routine way, thus causing the risk of unwanted deviations, resulting in many disasters and errors in the planning of water buildings. This research aims to determine and know the type of distribution that is representative for the maximum daily rainfall frequency in West Sumatra and South Sumatra Provinces as a reference for development and disaster mitigation in the region. The research location is in West Sumatra and South Sumatra. The data used for this study were taken from daily maximum rainfall data from rain stations for 35 to 40 years from 24 rain stations in West Sumatra Province, and 16 rain stations for South Sumatra region. This type of research is development research with the 4D development model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate). The development method consists of four different phases: Initial Investigation, Design, Realisation and Development. The data of each station was then organised into two types of data series, namely the annual maximum data series and the annual minimum data series. The results of this data series test are expected to follow one or more types of distributions commonly used in Hydrology and Drainage. The distribution results obtained for the South Sumatra region are Gama-III and LP-III, while for the West Sumatra region the distribution types are Gama-III, LP-III Normal Log and Gembel. The conclusion obtained is that West Sumatra does not have only one type of distribution. For the type of test using the SPSS.22 application, the results obtained are goodness of fit test, parametric test, Chi-Square test, Kolmogorov Smirnov test and Anderson-Darling test and Histrogram (visual) method.

Seasonality in synthetic average wind speed

There is a growing demand for computer-generated realistic high-fidelity wind speed data for various applications in the wind industry. Such data should capture the non-stationary dynamics of real-world wind time series, as well as be consistent with the statistical descriptors – the probability density function and power spectral density – of the observed wind speed. However, complying with the statistical descriptors is not a guarantee that the seasonality will be correctly reproduced in synthetic data. The seasonality, characterized by the average diurnal and seasonal variations, is driven by the periodicities embedded in diurnal and annual harmonic series respectively. Those periodicities are determined by the long-term orbital forcing components, which establish the insolation for a given latitude and longitude. We show that average diurnal and seasonal variations can be visualized as the output of comb filters, whose fundamental frequencies match the diurnal and annual fundamental frequency respectively. The aforementioned theoretical findings are readily reproduced in synthetic wind speed, generated by a non-parametric data-driven statistical model, based on the phase-randomized Fourier transform. The model, tested on both 10-min and 1-min resolution real-world datasets, yields average non-stationarities in synthetic wind speed with the accuracy close to the computing precision.

Chem4Energy: a consortium of the Royal Society Africa Capacity-Building Initiative.

The Africa Capacity-Building Initiative is a Royal Society programme funded by the former UK Department for International Development to develop collaborative research between scientists in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK. Initially, four institutions were involved in the Chem4Energy consortium: Cardiff University in the UK and three African partners, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, the University of Namibia and the University of Botswana, soon also including the Botswana International University of Science and Technology. The Chem4Energy research programme focused on 'New materials for a sustainable energy future: linking computation with experiment', aiming to deploy the synergy between state-of-the-art computational and experimental techniques to design and optimize new catalysts and semiconductor materials for renewable energy applications, based on materials that are abundant and readily available in African countries. The Chem4Energy consortium has achieved ambitious research goals, graduated seven PhD students and delivered a high-quality cross-disciplinary training programme in materials science and simulation techniques relevant to renewable energy applications. Since 2021, the extended consortium, including North-West University and the Centre for High-Performance Computing in South Africa, has remained active through an annual Chem4Energy conference series, with the sixth meeting taking place in Namibia in April 2025.

Risk of behavioural and developmental difficulties in early childhood in the Australian Capital Territory.

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of risk for developmental and behavioural problems for children in their first year of full-time primary education in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). We conducted an analysis of the 2014-2017 Kindergarten Health Check (KHC), an annual series of complete enumeration surveys of all children in their first year of full-time primary education in the ACT. Risk for developmental and behavioural problems was determined using the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) questionnaire. 19 414 children (mean age 5.56 years; 51.4% boys; 2.3% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; 18.4% quintile of greatest relative disadvantage) who participated in the 2014-2017 KHC were included in the study (87%). More than half of ACT children in their first year of primary education had low/no developmental risk identified through the PEDS questionnaire, with 1 in 10 at high risk. Those more likely to have a high risk PEDS score were boys, those from the areas experiencing relative disadvantage, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. While we can identify children at risk through screening, the greater challenge remains to identify and address the underlying causes of healthy inequalities, even within highly socioeconomically advantaged communities.